As a late-diagnosed autistic adult, my life took a huge turn when I was finally diagnosed at 41. After spending over two decades struggling in the mental health system, I fought tooth and nail for the support I desperately needed. For years, I endured the debilitating effects of mind-numbing antipsychotic medications that added to me feeling broken and alienated from society. It’s ironic navigating the mental health system, which is designed to provide support and healing, yet many individuals like myself find it more like a constant maze of barriers than a sanctuary of help, causing more distress!

Despite all this, I discovered my passion for creativity, which has become a powerful medium for processing my daily emotions and thoughts – something I now share with the world on many platforms. My journey in art has led to an award-winning career, with numerous accolades to my name. I’ve even had the honour of recognition at Buckingham Palace, being invited to the King’s garden party for my contributions to promoting neurodiversity in education. I’ve also raised thousands of pounds for different charities (and now become an ambassador for one), illustrating how much potential exists within individuals when they have a greater understanding of their neurotype. 

On the success of my prison initiative and my understanding of the lack of awareness in daily society, I am now putting together something new, supported by like-minded individuals and corporations who are committed to pursuing change through action – not just words – a change that supports neurodiversity and accepts everyone.

This year has been incredibly productive, proving my dedication to the cause. I have had the privilege of speaking on global platforms such as Picsart, engaging with schools both in the UK and internationally. I organised a neurodivergent art exhibition (two years in the making) and was nominated for several awards, all of which highlight my contributions to education and advocacy for neurodiversity.

Now, I interact with schools and colleges worldwide, it’s blatantly clear to me that the systems in place still need a complete overhaul. We can’t keep relying on the same old neurotypical views that clearly haven’t worked. It’s time to start listening to lived experiences instead of offering outdated perspectives that keep us boxed in. After all, what’s more logical than ignoring the voices of those who have been screaming to be heard for years?

This urgent need for change is further highlighted by the devastating suicide rates with neurodivergent individuals – a real epidemic that demands immediate attention. I believe many neurotypicals may be misdiagnosed with mental health conditions, but are actually neurodivergent! This misclassification leads to inappropriate treatments that further exacerbate their struggles and contribute to the alarming suicide statistics.

I’m committed to continuing this fight for change – not just for myself but for every individual who deserves a society that recognises and accepts neurodiversity. Alongside my groundbreaking prison course at HMP Manchester, which was a huge success, I have been collaborating with Eklectics on a documentary that has been in the making for nearly three years – capturing my late autism diagnosis journey, my art career, support for many charities and causes, and my fight against these systemic issues.

Awareness days and months are great, but let’s be real: they won’t make a real impact on their own. We need bigger systemic changes and genuine action to save lives – something I’m determined to be part of through my projects.

Neurotypical and neurodivergent people experience the world differently, but everyone deserves the same level of support and inclusion in society.